By RFPosted on 12-11-2019Modified on 12-11-2019 at 00:30

In South Sudan, a new period of uncertainty is opening up for the country. Starting tomorrow, a period of 100 days is initiated to allow the formation of a government of union but also to settle the blockages concerning the security and the federal division of the country.

The signatories of the 2018 peace agreement, including President Salva Kiir and his main opponent Riek Machar, have accepted the second extension while the peace process is lagging behind.

After a first six-month extension, the process still seems painstaking. Everyone is wondering what the parties will be able to do with 100 days more .

Right now, the pressure is hanging over Salva Kiir. IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) is calling on the president to release the remaining $ 100 million he promised to implement the agreement. The opposition, for its part, accuses the head of state of simply refusing to finance peace.

Salva Kiir called on the signatories to be patient, promising that he would speak with everyone and that the rest of the money would be released. However, many observers are skeptical.

Klem Ryan believes that if he really wanted peace, the president would have released the political prisoners and canceled his controversial decree increasing the number of federal states. According to the researcher, " these measures can be taken at any time, without prior negotiations ".

Another uncertainty weighs. Disappointed by the extension, the United States promised to review their relationship with Juba, an allusion to possible sanctions. To see if Washington takes the risk of punishing the authorities in this sensitive period ...

Meanwhile, the South Sudanese must take their trouble. " It takes real political will. But for now, both sides are still in a power struggle , "said writer Mathiang Jalap Dongvin. The economy does not take off. " Investments are frozen. We do not want to take risks. We are waiting to see what will happen, "says an entrepreneur.

ICRC action in the north-west of the country

The International Committee of the Red Cross has set up a base in Wau, the second largest city in South Sudan, covering the entire north-west of the country. The humanitarian organization provides assistance with care, food, hygiene and necessity products, building houses, etc. It also provides protection, ensuring that the rights of civilians and of those who do not participate in combat are respected. The region was marked by many violence during the conflict. Today, the situation has improved but remains fragile, explains Raphaël Tenaud, head of sub-delegation.

The situation, at the moment, is not completely resolved. It depends very much on the political process. The front line remains effective and we can not talk about a completely normal situation. Populations continue to have extremely significant needs, particularly because of their displacement.

Raphaël Tenaud, Head of ICRC sub-delegation

11-11-2019 - By Sébastien Nemeth

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